David Valero – new MTB XCO World Championships runner-up

Andalusia’s David Valero was proclaimed runner-up in the MTB XCO World Championships in the French town of Les Gets, after completing a spectacular race and finishing just nine seconds behind Switzerland’s Nino Schurter, who won the world champion title. David also won the bronze medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Valero got off to a great start, positioning himself at the head of the race thanks to his hard work, his experience and his power on the longest climbs. David, together with Italy’s Braidot, Switzerland’s Schurter and the Englishman Pidcock, set a brisk pace coming back from behind, and building up a considerable advantage over the rest of the racers.

A powerful David Valero decided to attack as soon as the fourth lap started, leaving behind the British rider, who was unable to keep up with the rest of the group, and ended up without a position on the podium after suffering from a mechanical fault.

From that point on, Valero led the race with a persevering pedalling rhythm which was only matched by the Swiss Nino Schurter. Both came into the last lap closely matched, and seeking the rainbow jersey. David tried to overtake Nino in the technical rocks and roots area, but the Swiss managed to pass the Spaniard with about a kilometre to go, crossing the finish line ahead of him and claiming his tenth World Championship title.

The first comments by David Valero as runner-up in the MTB XCO World Championships were that “I’m happy with second place, but the feeling is bittersweet. In the end I lacked a change of pace, but I’m happy to be able to win this medal ahead of the final round of the World Cup.”

David Valero also said that “now is the time to celebrate this medal, which I am very happy about, as well as the entire season, which has been one of my best since I started Mountain Bike racing. But I hope it doesn’t end here, and I’ll carry on fighting hard in the coming races.”

Inverse, the official sponsor of the Royal Spanish Cycling Federation (RFEC), has made the official replica jersey and bib shorts of the Spanish cycling team available in its online store. The replica Spanish team jersey and bib shorts for women are also available.